The Mariners continue to hang tough in the American League West race, and they made a small trade Thursday to get some bullpen help. Seattle acquired John Parrish from the Orioles in exchange for minor league outfielder Sebastien Boucher and either a player to be named or cash considerations. Parrish become the fourth lefthander in the Mariners bullpen, joining Erik O'Flaherty, Ryan Rowland-Smith and George Sherrill.

Update: Baltimore received cash considerations to complete the deal.

The Big Leaguers

Parrish, 29, returned to the mound this year after missing all of 2006 following Tommy John surgery in July 2005. He throws harder than most lefthanders—Parrish has a low-90s fastball and a hard breaking ball—but command woes have led to only sporadic success. He has gone 2-2, 5.40 in 45 games this year, with a 36-33 K-BB ratio in 42 innings. Opponents are batting .252 with two homers against him. Parrish is making $575,000 this year and won't be eligible for free agency until after the 2008 season. He has a career record of 12-12, 4.52 with one save in 153 big league games.

The Prospects

Boucher, a 25-year-old Canadian, signed as a seventh-round pick out of Bethune-Cookman in 2004. His best tool is his speed, which rates as a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale, and he plays a good center field. However, Boucher is going to have to step up his offensive production to reach the majors. He has hit .238/.337/.312 with two homers, 23 RBIs and 16 steals in 86 games between Double-A West Tenn and Triple-A Tacoma this year.

Quick Take

Parrish seems redundant in Seattle, which is getting effective work from its other lefty relievers. Boucher's inconsistent contact and lack of power make him more of an organization player than a prospect.